Festival of Flight...2015-09-11,12,13
"In one word, 'Wow,' " said festival director Jessica Warren, adding that she has spent the last couple of weeks fielding inquiries from enthusiasts near and far.
"This just seems to be something that the community is craving — and not just our community," Warren said. "We have people coming from Miami, Puerto Rico, Texas and Colorado. The word has gotten out."
So much so that the air fest, hosted by hot-air balloon company American Balloons and Tampa North Flight Center, has grown to a three-day event and the parking area has been expanded to accommodate this year's anticipated attendees.
The combination of hot air balloons and planes in one place is unusual and a big draw for longtime flight enthusiasts, Warren said. There's also a lure for locals whose interests might have been piqued by the sight of balloons floating over the Wesley Chapel area regularly.
One or maybe two balloons hovering is not unusual, but seeing some 30 balloons launch with the morning sunrise, as will happen this weekend, can be a sight to behold.
"To watch them all go up in the air is absolutely breathtaking," Warren said, noting that the evening glow event, when tethered balloons are lit up by their burners as the sun sets, is equally cool.
Folks who sign up in advance can mosey about or take a more adventurous hot-air balloon trek or catch a flight on World War II T-6 Warbird plane (booked in advance, weather permitting).
Also on the schedule is a vertical helicopter fly-in (Saturday and Sunday) and a glider fly-out (Sunday). Add to that kites and bubble activities for the kids, a classic car show for those whose interests are a little more grounded, live music throughout the event and plenty of food vendors.
Read More"This just seems to be something that the community is craving — and not just our community," Warren said. "We have people coming from Miami, Puerto Rico, Texas and Colorado. The word has gotten out."
So much so that the air fest, hosted by hot-air balloon company American Balloons and Tampa North Flight Center, has grown to a three-day event and the parking area has been expanded to accommodate this year's anticipated attendees.
The combination of hot air balloons and planes in one place is unusual and a big draw for longtime flight enthusiasts, Warren said. There's also a lure for locals whose interests might have been piqued by the sight of balloons floating over the Wesley Chapel area regularly.
One or maybe two balloons hovering is not unusual, but seeing some 30 balloons launch with the morning sunrise, as will happen this weekend, can be a sight to behold.
"To watch them all go up in the air is absolutely breathtaking," Warren said, noting that the evening glow event, when tethered balloons are lit up by their burners as the sun sets, is equally cool.
Folks who sign up in advance can mosey about or take a more adventurous hot-air balloon trek or catch a flight on World War II T-6 Warbird plane (booked in advance, weather permitting).
Also on the schedule is a vertical helicopter fly-in (Saturday and Sunday) and a glider fly-out (Sunday). Add to that kites and bubble activities for the kids, a classic car show for those whose interests are a little more grounded, live music throughout the event and plenty of food vendors.
